Britpop, Oasis, and the last true rock movement

Music Related | 15th Aug, 2025 theBeat.ie

If you’re from a younger generation, you might not realize there was a time when rock ’n’ rollers basically ruled the world. Life for them was all sex, drugs, and a generous dose of hedonism. They said whatever they wanted, oozed personality, and didn’t worry about getting canceled. The ’60s gave us psychedelia and hippies, the ’70s brought prog-rock and disco, the ’80s saw MTV and electronic music take over, and the ’90s? Well, they mashed it all together into one glorious, noisy melting pot.

Since then, things have changed. Streaming, playlists, and yes...cancel culture, have completely reshaped the music scene. Which makes you wonder. Could Britpop, led by Oasis, have been the last true rock movement?

Britpop emerged in the UK during the mid 90s, rising from the ashes of American grunge. It was all about catchy hooks, cheeky lyrics, and a little bit of British pride. Bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp led the charge, mixing everyday life with playful rivalries, e.g, Oasis vs. Blur. Unlike grunge’s moody darkness, Britpop was upbeat, fun, and full of swagger. It wasn’t just music; it was the soundtrack of ’90s Britain and Europe.

Some might dismiss Britpop as fluff, but it really could be the last musical movement in the classic sense. After the ’90s, the music industry started favoring quantity over quality. Suddenly, it was all about churning out tracks, and artists with little personality. Back in the Britpop days, artists shared a love for music but still had their own distinct flair. Oasis, The Verve, and Ocean Colour Scene could all dominate the UK charts at the same time. Can you imagine that happening today?

Rock history is packed with myths, legends, and chaos, and Oasis embodied all of it. Noel had the tunes, but the band lived the rock-star life, boozy nights, casual cocaine, and nonstop chart hits. Tabloid drama only added to their mystique. Sure, sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll aren’t exactly a blueprint for life, but they are undeniably part of the music world.

Britpop may never have made the same splash in the US, but for a few glorious years, the charts were packed with guitar-driven hits. And with attitude to match, Oasis were at the forefront. So, if Britpop was the last true musical movement...maybe Oasis led the way as the last of the great, authentic rock bands.